Mount Tavor

Selections from classical Torah sources
which express the special relationship between
the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael

MOUNT TAVOR

When the Prophetess Devorah called upon Barak ben
Avinoam in the name of Hashem to gather the thousand soldiers
from the tribes of Naftali and Zevulun in order to free Israel
from the yoke of Canaanite oppression, she directed him to confront
the mighty forces led by Sisra at Mount Tavor. It was on this
lofty mountain in the north of Eretz Yisrael that Hashem
granted the outnumbered and outarmed Israelite forces a miraculous
victory over their enemies. (Shoftim 4:6-15)

Because it was destined to be the scene of such a
great miracle, Mount Tavor asked that the Torah be given to Israel
upon it. Its claim was rejected, says the Midrash (Bereishet
Rabbah 89:1), because idols had been worshipped upon it.
In the end of days, however, it will regain its glory, for Hashem
will bring Mount Tavor together with Mount Sinai and Mount Carmel
and build the Beit Hamikdash upon them. (Midrash Tanchuma
36:6)